The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

FLORIDIAN Daniel Ayo is a free man after being discharged of murder following the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue prosecution against him…for now.

The Tribune spoke with Wayne Munroe, Roberto Reckley and Tonique Lewis afterwards about the likelihood of Mr Ayo being retried for the May 12, 2010 murder of Clyde Tomlison because the nolle prosequi, which was presented to discontinue the trial, allows for that possibility.

“Technically they can,” Mr Munroe said.

“I would think it would be for the reason this matter was discontinued, the matter won’t be brought back.

“Again as I say the decision, to my mind, was taken because the Attorney General felt that’s no productive use would be made of consuming more court time and more expense with this trial.”

After five days of trial and testimony from ten witnesses, the outcome of this murder trial before Justice Vera Watkins rested on what action – if any – Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson decided to take.

Attorneys in the trial of the 29-year-old Floridian accused of killing a Jamaican in Bimini returned to court today to hear the Attorney General’s decision.

Yesterday, prosecutor Linda Evans said she had received no instructions from the Attorney General as to whether the prosecution would proceed with a nolle prosequi (no prosecution) motion, which would withdraw the murder charge against Daniel Ayo, or continue with the evidence that had been presented.

In the end, Ms Evans announced that the Crown would not continue the prosecution. Justice Watkins accepted the application and told the jury that because of the action by the Attorney General, their services were no longer needed.

She turned to Mr Ayo and said: “Mr Ayo, the Attorney General has made a decision to discontinue the charge of murder against you. As a result, I am to inform you that you are formally discharged and free to go.”

She advised him that there was a possibility the matter could be brought to court again.

Ayo and his father shook hands with their attorneys outside court and thanked them for a job well done.

Mr Munroe then explained how yesterday’s action came to abou�t.

“The case was proceeding. The judge made a ruling with regard to the ability for there to be identification, otherwise an ID parade, a photo fit or group identification.

“Following on that ruling, the Attorney General took the decision to discontinue the matter because there would’ve been, in my view, and clearly she also accepts it wouldn’t be productive of the court’s time to continue the prosecution.”